Top 15 Accelerators and Incubators in Virginia (2026)
Virginia provides a variety of programs for early-stage companies across different industries. For instance, IQT has made over 350 investments and has seen more than 110 exits from its portfolio.
Other programs like Lighthouse Labs RVA have supported around 90 startups, often with a specific industry focus.
Below is our list of the best 15 accelerators and incubators in Virginia.
Failory's Top 10 Picks
1. IQT
As the non-profit strategic investor for the U.S. intelligence community, IQT identifies and accelerates startups with cutting-edge technologies that can solve national security challenges. This unique model provides a bridge between the tech world and government agencies, backing formative companies like Palantir and Keyhole, which became Google Earth.
| Year Founded | 1999 |
| Founders | J.D. Englehart, Troy Pearsall, Norman R. Augustine |
| Nº of Investments | 351 |
| Nº of Exits | 113 |
Through a founder-friendly, non-dilutive model, Lighthouse Labs RVA invests $20,000 for zero equity in promising early-stage startups. They guide founders in sectors like FinTech, HealthTech, and EdTech with an intensive online program focused on mentorship and growth.
| Year Founded | 2012 |
| Founders | Todd Nuckols |
| Nº of Investments | 92 |
| Nº of Exits | 6 |
| Program Type | Online |
| Duration (Weeks) | 12 |
3. MACH37
Fueling the next wave of cybersecurity innovation, MACH37's accelerator program is built for startups tackling the industry's toughest problems. They connect founders with a powerful network of mentors and resources, helping them build and scale their security ventures.
| Year Founded | 2013 |
| Founders | Rick Gordon |
| Nº of Investments | 28 |
| Nº of Exits | 5 |
| Program Type | Online |
| Duration (Weeks) | 12 |
UVA Licensing & Ventures Group maximizes the impact of university research by translating groundbreaking discoveries into real-world products and companies. They partner with innovators across the University of Virginia community to manage intellectual property and launch new ventures in high-growth sectors like technology and medical devices.
| Year Founded | 1977 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 14 |
| Nº of Exits | 3 |
Operating as a non-profit, 757 Accelerate provides startups with the customized resources and capital essential for growth. They guide founders through an intensive program designed to help build and scale their businesses.
| Year Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 8 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
| Program Type | On-Site |
| Duration (Weeks) | 13 |
Activation Capital fuels the growth of early-stage startups in life sciences and advanced technology through direct investment and strategic resources. They also manage the Virginia Bio+Tech Park, creating a physical hub for innovation and collaboration within the entrepreneurial community.
| Year Founded | 1993 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 11 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
Through its Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program, the PenFed Foundation provides seed capital and mentorship to startups founded by military veterans. The national nonprofit focuses on creating financial opportunity and stability for the military community by helping these entrepreneurs build and scale their businesses.
| Year Founded | 2001 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 37 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
| Program Type | Online |
| Duration (Weeks) | 6 |
Black Girl Ventures creates access to social and financial capital for Black and Brown women entrepreneurs. They accomplish this through a unique pitch competition that blends crowdfunding with community support, directly empowering founders to launch and grow their businesses.
| Year Founded | 2016 |
| Founders | Shelly Bell |
| Nº of Investments | 1 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
Startup Caucus works to build the Republican tech ecosystem by investing in and accelerating companies that create tools for political campaigns. Through its program, founders gain access to critical mentorship and a network of connections to help them win elections.
| Year Founded | 2019 |
| Founders | Eric Wilson |
| Nº of Investments | 3 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
| Program Type | Online |
| Duration (Weeks) | 12 |
As a program within the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Security Innovation Network connects academic and venture communities with pressing national security challenges. They foster innovation by building a network of problem solvers and providing pathways for new technologies to support the nation's defense.
| Year Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Jason Combs, Scott Aughenbaugh |
| Nº of Investments | 2 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
5 Additional Virginia Accelerators and Incubators Worth Applying To
Our top picks are just a starting point for founders looking for support in Virginia. The programs below have already funded over 35 startups combined.
These programs offer a variety of resources for early-stage companies. Here’s a look at more accelerators and incubators helping founders across the state.
| Accelerator/Incubator | Year Founded | Nº Investments | Nº Exits |
|---|---|---|---|
 434 Accelerator | 2019 | 4 | — |
 SHRMLabs | 2022 | 16 | — |
 NSF Convergence Accelerator | — | 2 | — |
 RAMP | 2017 | 10 | — |
 Openner | 2017 | 4 | — |
